The Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group works to help people whose rights have been violated and investigates cases involving such abuse, as well as assessing the overall human rights situation in Ukraine. The Group also seeks to develop awareness of human rights issues through public events and its various publications

Pro-Russian separatists have seized the building of the district election commission No. 111 in Antratsyt [Luhansk oblast] and are threatening members of the commission with reprisals against them and their families if they continue to work towards the May 25 presidential elections. The seizure of the premises took place on Wednesday after a rally attracting around 3 thousand people.

The Central Election Commission has been informed of the situation and has advised members of the DEC to not come to work until further notice.

In Krasny Luch members of District Election Commission No. 109 have also come under threat. According to the Luhansk regional branch of the Committee of Voters of Ukraine, several Cossacks turned up at the DEC premises [inside the City Council building] on Wednesday and demanded that the commission members stop preparing for the elections. They were without arms, but threatened to return with automatic rifles.